A tragic incident occurred at the under-construction Arun III Hydropower Project in Nepal’s Koshi province on Tuesday night. A 27-year-old Nepali labourer lost his life while two Indian workers were injured due to falling rocks inside the audit-2 tunnel of the project. The injured workers, Samamati Walita and Saimuddin Ali from Guwahati in Assam, are currently receiving medical treatment at the Sankhuwasabha District Hospital.
The Arun III Hydropower Project, being built by India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, has employed over 300 workers from Nepal and India for its construction. This project, with a capacity of 900 MW, is expected to provide clean energy to the Nepalese and Indian grids.
This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place at a hydropower project in Nepal. In the past, several workers have lost their lives while working on such projects due to accidents or natural disasters. Despite such incidents, the demand for hydropower in Nepal has been increasing due to the country’s potential for generating hydroelectricity.
The Nepalese government has been promoting hydropower as a clean energy source and has been providing various incentives to attract foreign investment in this sector. However, the government must also ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised in the pursuit of clean energy. It is crucial to implement stringent safety measures and regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers.
Furthermore, it is essential to provide adequate compensation to the families of workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries while working on such projects. This will not only support the families but also serve as a deterrent for companies to prioritize the safety of their workers.
In conclusion, the incident at the Arun III Hydropower Project is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in the construction of such projects. While hydropower is an important source of clean energy, the safety of workers must be given top priority, and adequate measures must be taken to prevent accidents and ensure their well-being.